EFFECTS OF A BUDDHIST STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR ELDERLY CARE EMPLOYEES. IN THE ELDERLY CARE CENTER

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) examine the stress levels of elderly caregivers in the elderly care centers, 2) develop a Buddhist-based stress management program for caregivers in[1] the elderly care centers, and 3) Study the results of implementing the Buddhist-based stress management program on caregivers in the elderly care centers. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design, employing two research tools: the Department of Mental Health's Stress Assessment Scale (SPST-20) and a Buddhist-based stress management program, which was validated by five experts with a suitability score of 0.96, indicating high appropriateness. The study population was 59 elderly caregivers, from 20 individuals with high stress levels and 6 individuals with severe stress levels (a total of 26) were selected. Through simple random sampling, 14 participants were assigned to the experimental group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Comparative analysis of pre-test, post-test, and follow-up scores (one month after the intervention) was conducted. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis and inductive conclusion.

The findings of the study revealed the following: 1) The overall stress level of elderly caregivers was moderate, with an average score of 41.14. 2) The Buddhist-based stress management program, which consisted of eight activities (1) When You and I Meet, (2) Finding to Heart, (3) The Stream of Life, (4) Adjusting the Compass of Life to Be Stress-Free, (5) Tea Meditation, (6) Dharma for the Heart, (7) How to Live Happily, and (8) Breathing to Dissolve Stress received a suitability score of 0.96 from experts. 3) The implementation of the Buddhist-based stress management program resulted in a significant reduction in stress levels among caregivers, with statistical significance at the .05 level. Additionally, caregivers reported improved mental health, greater emotional awareness, enhanced mindfulness, compassion, understanding of life changes, positive thinking, self-development in their work, and improved ability to manage stress.